Bayer 04 Leverkusen, former Bundesliga champions, clinched a thrilling victory over Eintracht Frankfurt last night, according to Soccernet.ng.
Alejandro Grimaldo’s two expertly taken free-kick goals, combined with a strike from Patrick Schick just before halftime, overturned Can Uzun’s opener for Frankfurt. However, the drama didn’t end there.
Die Werkself ended the match with only nine players on the pitch after Robert Andrich and Equi Fernandez received red cards at separate moments during the contest.
Alejandro Grimaldo continues to prove why he’s among the elite free-kick takers globally pic.twitter.com/tMLXdwkme7
– VRed Baller (@VRedBaller) September 13, 2025
Nathan Tella, the Super Eagles winger, featured for 82 minutes on the right flank at BayArena in Kasper Hjulmand’s debut match as Leverkusen’s head coach, following the dismissal of Erik Ten Hag during the September international break.
The former Southampton forward has been a constant presence this season but admitted that the squad was frustrated with their overall display against Frankfurt.
“We were not embarrassed, but definitely disappointed in ourselves,” the 26-year-old told ESPN after the game.
“Everyone here, both the existing players and the newcomers, understands the quality we possess, yet we failed to demonstrate it on the pitch.”
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Tella Praises New Coach Hjulmand, Subtly Critiques Ten Hag
With Ten Hag no longer at the helm, Tella described Kasper Hjulmand’s arrival as a revitalizing change, contrasting it with the Dutchman’s short tenure at Leverkusen.
“Kasper’s appointment has definitely energized the squad. We’re focused on improving ourselves and not getting complacent after our first win this season,” he explained.
“This match demanded a strong response, and we managed to deliver it in front of our home supporters.”
“Looking back, we know our previous standards weren’t up to the mark, and as a team, we recognize the level we should be performing at.”
“We had honest conversations individually and collectively, and it was clear we needed to bounce back. Our training sessions have reflected that renewed intensity and focus,” Tella added.
“We executed the game plan well, and although it’s early in the season, this was a promising start,” concluded the former Burnley attacker.
Currently positioned ninth in the Bundesliga standings after three matches, Leverkusen will soon embark on their Champions League journey with an away fixture against Danish club FC Kobenhavn.
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